Trump Earns Three Big Endorsements In A Key Battleground State

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has picked up three more endorsements from the law enforcement community, and all three come from a critical swing state in next month’s presidential election.

The three largest police unions in Colorado — the Denver Police Protective Association, the Aurora Police Association and the Colorado Springs Police Protective Association — have all endorsed Trump for president.

The union leaders have assured that the “law and order” candidate will keep Colorado’s cities “safe and secure.”

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“The Aurora Police Association believes that Donald Trump’s strong support for law enforcement will ensure safer communities in Colorado and across our country,” Sgt. Bob Wesner, president of the APA said, according to the Aurora Sentinel.

“We just like what he has to say about law enforcement and he is very supportive of law enforcement so we wanted to support him,” he added.

Wesner noted the endorsement wasn’t sparked by a particular stance that Trump had taken, but by the candidate’s overall support for law enforcement.

Combined, the three police unions represent about 2,700 members of law enforcement in Colorado.

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The endorsement could be an important boost to Trump since recent polls place his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in a slight lead in the state. However, Trump sees the battleground state as attainable, with his most recent visit being Monday.

“After thoughtful consideration, we wholeheartedly believe Mr. Trump is the only candidate that will protect law-abiding citizens from those who choose to break the law,” Nick Rogers, president of the DPPA said, according to the Denver Post.

Last month, Trump also earned support from the national Fraternal Order of Police after completing a required questionnaire. The organization represents 330,000 officers nationwide.

“Mr. Trump has seriously looked at the issues facing law enforcement today,” Chris Canterbury, national president of the union said in a statement. “He understands and supports our priorities and our members believe he will make America safe again.”

The Fraternal Order of Police has a history of supporting Republicans for president. It endorsed the GOP nominees in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 elections, but refrained from endorsing Mitt Romney in 2012 because of his negative stance on unions.

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According to the Daily Caller, Clinton has now shown interest in winning over the police unions, but at times, her tone has irritated some members of the law enforcement community. Instead, her campaign has chosen to embrace Black Lives Matter and other activists groups which seek to curb police brutality.

Patrick Davis, an adviser for Trump’s campaign in Colorado, released a statement saying the endorsements were an honor.

“Donald Trump stands for tougher law enforcement and safer communities, and these endorsements demonstrate that the brave policemen and women in Colorado agree with Mr. Trump’s goal of making America safe again,” Davis said. “We are honored to have their support and will work with them to get Mr. Trump’s message of protecting our communities out to Colorado voters in the coming weeks.”